José Eduardo Corrente

Qualidade de vida na terceira idade: um conceito subjetivo

Tendo-se em conta a expectativa de vida cada vez mais alta, varios estudos tem sido desenvolvidos de modo a contribuir para a melhoria da qualidade de vida na terceira idade. Objetivou-se conhecer a opiniao dos idosos de um municipio de porte medio do interior paulista sobre o que e qualidade de vida, atraves de uma pergunta aberta que foi incluida como parte de um inquerito populacional sobre estilo e qualidade de vida. A analise da referida questao foi realizada atraves do metodo de Analise de Conteudo. Posteriormente calcularam-se as frequencias das categorias obtidas, agrupadas segundo o metodo de Ward, e em seguida os idosos foram agrupados segundo o metodo de k-medias. Os resultados indicaram a existencia de tres grupos de idosos segundo sua definicao de qualidade de vida: o primeiro valorizou a questao afetiva e a familia; o segundo priorizou a obtencao do prazer e conforto; o terceiro poderia ser sintetizado como o idoso que identifica a qualidade de vida colocando em pratica o seu ideario de vida. Sugere-se que, na implementacao de acoes, se objetive melhorar a qualidade de vida do idoso, levando-se em conta as magnitudes e as diferencas de cada grupo.

Metabolic syndrome risk factors in overweight, obese, and extremely obese brazilian adolescents

BackgroundObesity in infancy and adolescence has acquired epidemic dimensions worldwide and is considered a risk factor for a number of disorders that can manifest at an early age, such as Metabolic Syndrome (MS). In this study, we evaluated overweight, obese, and extremely obese adolescents for the presence of MS, and studied the prevalence of single factors of the syndrome in this population.MethodsA total of 321 adolescents (174 females and 147 males) aged 10 to 16 years, attending the Adolescent Outpatient Clinic of Botucatu School of Medicine, Brazil, between April 2009 and April 2011 were enrolled in this study. Adolescents underwent anthropometric evaluation (weight, height, and abdominal circumference) and Body Mass Index (BMI) was estimated according to age and gender, following Disease Control and Prevention Centers recommendations (CDC, 2000). Blood pressure was measured and individuals with BMI ≥ 85th percentile were submitted to laboratory evaluation for Total Cholesterol, HDL and LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Fasting Insulinemia, and Fasting Glycemia to identify MS factors, according to the criteria suggested by the International Diabetes Federation. Insulin resistance was calculated by HOMA-IR, Quicki, and Fasting Glycemia/Fasting Insulinemia (FGI).Results and discussionOf the 321 adolescents, 95 (29.6%) were overweight, 129 (40.2%) were obese, and 97 (30.2%) were extremely obese. Around 18% were diagnosed with MS. The most prevalent risk factors were abdominal circumference ≥90th percentile (55%), HDL < 40 mg/dL (35.5%), High Pressure ≥130/85 mm/Hg (21%), Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL (18.5%), and Fasting Glycemia ≥100 mg/dL (2%). Insulin resistance was observed in 65% of the adolescents.ConclusionAn increased prevalence of overweight and obesity, together with cardiometabolic risk factors such as dyslipidemia and abnormal blood pressure, were observed in adolescents, contributing to the onset of metabolic syndrome at younger ages. Risk factors for MS were more prevalent in females.

Comparison of the cardio-respiratory effects of methadone and morphine in conscious dogs††

The effects of methadone and morphine were compared in conscious dogs. Six animals received morphine sulfate (1 mg/kg) or methadone hydrochloride (0.5 mg/kg [MET0.5] or 1.0 mg/kg [MET1.0]) intravenously (i.v.) in a randomized complete block design. Cardiopulmonary variables were recorded before (baseline), and for 120 min after drug administration. One outlier was not included in the statistical analysis for hemodynamic data. Morphine decreased heart rate (HR) compared to baseline from 30 to 120 min (-15% to -26%), while cardiac index (CI) was reduced only at 120 min (-19%). Greater and more prolonged reductions in HR (-32% to -46%) and in CI (-24% to -52%) were observed after MET1.0, while intermediate reductions were recorded after MET0.5 (-19 to -28% for HR and -17% to -27% for CI). The systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) was increased after methadone; MET1.0 produced higher SVRI values than MET0.5 (maximum increases: 57% and 165% for MET0.5 and MET1.0, respectively). Compared to morphine, oxygen partial pressure (PaO(2)) was lower (-12% to -13%) at 5 min of methadone (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg), while carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO(2)) did not change significantly. It was concluded that methadone induces cardiovascular changes that are dose-related and is a more potent cardiovascular depressant agent than morphine in conscious dogs.

Associacão entre perda auditiva induzida pelo ruído e zumbidos

The objective of this study was to verify an association between noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus in workers exposed to occupational noise. Workers with a history of work noise exposure who attended two audiology outpatient clinics were interviewed and evaluated. The statistical association between NIHL and tinnitus was evaluated using an adjusted linear regression model, with tinnitus as the dependent variable and NIHL, classified into six levels, as the independent variable, with age and length of noise exposure as covariates. Data were collected from 284 workers between April and October, 2003, in Bauru, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Tinnitus was observed to increase with the progression of auditory damage, controlled by age and length of noise exposure. These results suggest that investment in hearing conservation programs is needed, especially for source noise emission control and for intervention in hearing loss progression that is caused by noise exposure, in order to maintain auditory health and reduce the associated symptoms.

Excess body fat negatively affects bone mass in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of excess body fat on bone mass in overweight, obese, and extremely obese adolescents. METHODS This study included 377 adolescents of both sexes, ages 10 to 19 y. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), bone age, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) were obtained by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The results were adjusted for chronological age and bone age. Comparisons according to nutritional classification were performed by analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test. Linear regression models were used to explain the variation in BMD and BMC in the L1-L4 lumbar spinal region, proximal femur, and whole body in relation to BMI, lean mass, fat mass (FM), and body fat percentage (BF%), considering P < 0.05. RESULTS For all nutritional groups, average bone age was higher than chronological age. In both sexes, weight and BMI values increased from eutrophic to extremely obese groups, except for BMD and BMC, which did not differ among male adolescents, and were smaller in extremely obese than in obese female adolescents (P < 0.01). Significant differences were observed for FM and BF% values among all nutritional groups (P < 0.01). Positive, moderate to strong correlations were detected between BMD and BMC for BMI, lean mass, and FM. A negative and moderate correlation was found between BMC and BF%, and between BMD and BF% at all bone sites analyzed in males and between BF% and spine and femur BMD, in females. CONCLUSION The results reveal a negative effect of BF% on bone mass in males and indicate that the higher the BF% among overweight adolescents, the lower the BMD and BMC values.

Effects of methadone on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of methadone on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane (ISO(MAC)) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized cross-over experimental study. ANIMALS Six adult mongrel dogs, four males and two females, weighing 22.8 +/- 6.6 kg. METHODS Animals were anesthetized with isoflurane and mechanically ventilated on three separate days, at least 1 week apart. Core temperature was maintained between 37.5 and 38.5 degrees C during ISO(MAC) determinations. On each study day, ISO(MAC) was determined using electrical stimulation of the antebrachium (50 V, 50 Hz, 10 mseconds) at 2.5 and 5 hours after intravenous injection of physiological saline (control) or one of two doses of methadone (0.5 or 1.0 mg kg(-1)). RESULTS Mean (+/-SD) ISO(MAC) in the control treatment was 1.19 +/- 0.15% and 1.18 +/- 0.15% at 2.5 and 5 hours, respectively. The 1.0 mg kg(-1) dose of methadone reduced ISO(MAC) by 48% (2.5 hours) and by 30% (5 hours), whereas the 0.5 mg kg(-1) dose caused smaller reductions in ISO(MAC) (35% and 15% reductions at 2.5 and 5 hours, respectively). Both doses of methadone decreased heart rate (HR), but the 1.0 mg kg(-1) dose was associated with greater negative chronotropic actions (HR 37% lower than control) and mild metabolic acidosis at 2.5 hours. Mean arterial pressure increased in the MET1.0 treatment (13% higher than control) at 2.5 hours. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Methadone reduces ISO(MAC) in a dose-related fashion and this effect is lessened over time. Although the isoflurane sparing effect of the 0.5 mg kg(-1) dose of methadone was smaller in comparison to the 1.0 mg kg(-1) dose, the lower dose is recommended for clinical use because it results in less evidence of cardiovascular impairment.

Avaliação da alimentação de idosos de município paulista: aplicação do Índice de Alimentação Saudável

OBJETIVO: avaliar a qualidade da dieta da populacao idosa do municipio de Avare (SP) atraves do Indice de Alimentacao Saudavel (IAS) METODOS: trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal de base populacional realizado por meio de entrevista domiciliar. A amostra constou de 73 individuos, sorteados aleatoriamente dos idosos integrados ao Sistema Publico de Saude do Municipio. O consumo alimentar foi medido por meio de 3 Recordatorios de 24 horas. Para avaliacao, foi aplicado o IAS adaptado para a populacao brasileira. Parte-se do principio que o presente estudo constitui o primeiro no Brasil a aplicar o IAS utilizando 3 inqueritos do tipo recordatorio de 24 horas em populacao idosa. Optou-se por esta metodologia, pois como descrito na literatura, um unico dia nao representa a ingestao habitual de um individuo devido a elevada variabilidade intrapessoal do consumo. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 32,9% de idosos com uma dieta de ma qualidade; 60,3% necessitando de melhorias e 6,8% com uma dieta de boa qualidade. CONCLUSAO: Pode-se concluir que os idosos estudados precisam de melhorias na alimentacao, o que ressalta a importância de politica de incentivo voltado a alimentacao saudavel na terceira idade.

Tillering of Tifton 85 bermudagrass in response to nitrogen rates and time of application after cutting

Nitrogen fertilization is determinant for pasture productivity, as it results in increasing forage yield and is associated with the growth physiology of forage plants. An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the effects of nitrogen rates and times of application after cutting on Tifton 85 Bermuda grass (Cynodon spp.) tillering. Plants were grown in a Typic Quartzipsamment soil and nitrogen rates were 0, 80, 160 and 240 mg kg-1 of soil; times of application were immediately after and seven days after cutting. A 4 x 2 factorial experiment was set in a completely randomized block design (n= 4). Plants were evaluated in two sequential growth periods - 39 and 41 days. Nitrogen rates affected tiller density, considering the initial number of tillers in the second growth and the emerged and final number of tillers at the end of the growth periods. Tiller weight increased up to the nitrogen rate of 201 and 185 mg kg-1 of soil in the first and second growth periods, and the correlation coefficients between the final number of tillers and dry matter yields in the top part of the plant for these periods were 0.92 and 0.94, respectively. The rate of tiller development, evaluated in each of the seven-day periods, was affected by nitrogen rates and time of application. There was an effect of rates and time of application in the first and a significant interaction between rates and time in the second growth period.

Influence of Xylella fastidiosa infection of citrus on host selection by leafhopper vectors

Infection of plants by pathogens can influence their attractiveness and suitability to insect vectors and other herbivores. Here we examined the effects of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae) infection by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC), on the feeding preferences of two sharpshooter vectors, Dilobopterus costalimai Young and Oncometopia facialis (Signoret) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae). Experiments were performed inside observation chambers, in which a healthy plant and an infected one (with or without CVC symptoms) were supplied to a group of 40 sharpshooters. The number of insects that selected each treatment was recorded at several time intervals in 48 h. In another experiment, the ingestion rate on healthy and infected (symptomatic or not) plants was evaluated by measuring the liquid excretion of sharpshooters that were confined on branches of each plant for 72 h. Both sharpshooter species preferred healthy plants to those with CVC symptoms. However, O. facialis did not discriminate between healthy citrus and symptomless infected plants. Feeding by D. costalimai was markedly reduced when confined on CVC‐symptomatic plants, but not on asymptomatic infected ones. The ingestion rate by O. facialis was not affected by the presence of CVC symptoms. The results suggest that citrus trees with early (asymptomatic) infections by X. fastidiosa may be more effective as inoculum sources for CVC spread by insect vectors than those with advanced symptoms.

Controlling ammonia losses during manure composting with the addition of phosphogypsum and simple superphosphate

Com o proposito de avaliar a eficiencia do gesso agricola e do superfosfato simples em controlar as perdas de amonia por volatilizacao durante o processo de compostagem de estereos, foi conduzido um experimento em frascos de vidro fechados de 1,6 litro de capacidade, nos quais diferentes quantidades (50, 100, 150 e 200 kg.t-1) daqueles materiais foram misturadas com um substrato composto de uma mistura de partes iguais (em massa) de estereos frescos de galinha e de bovino. A amonia perdida por volatilizacao foi determinada apos 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias, coletando-se o gas em solucao de acido sulfurico encerrada em pequeno recipiente o qual era, por sua vez, colocado no interior do frasco. O acido remanescente apos o periodo de exposicao a amonia era determinado por titulacao com solucao de NaOH 0,025N. A quantidade de amonia perdida do estereo por volatilizacao diminuiu com a adicao de ambos os materiais estudados, mas para todas as doses aplicadas o gesso agricola foi mais eficiente do que o superfosfato simples. Os decrescimos da volatilizacao foram tanto maiores quanto mais elevadas eram as doses de ambos os aditivos. Houve evidencias de que a reducao das perdas de amonia deveu-se a presenca do gesso nos materiais estudados.